Download Leatherleaf Fern - Satellite Gardens

Leatherleaf Fern
Rumohra adiantiformis
Height: 3 feet
Spread: 3 feet
Sunlight:
Hardiness Zone: (annual)
Other Names: Leathery Shieldfern, Iron Fern, Seven Weeks Fern
Description:
Most recognized as standard greenery in floral arrangements, this fern
produces deep green leathery foliage that is textural with a nice sheen;
prefers bright shade with no direct sun; great for containers and baskets
Ornamental Features
Leatherleaf Fern's attractive glossy ferny leaves emerge light green in
spring, turning dark green in colour the rest of the year. Neither the
flowers nor the fruit are ornamentally significant.
Rumohra adiantiformis foliage
Photo courtesy of NetPS Plant Finder
Landscape Attributes
Leatherleaf Fern is an herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its medium texture
blends into the garden, but can always be balanced by a couple of finer or coarser plants for an effective
composition.
This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary,
such as to remove dieback. It has no significant negative characteristics.
Leatherleaf Fern is recommended for the following landscape applications;
- Mass Planting
- General Garden Use
- Container Planting
- Hanging Baskets
Planting & Growing
Leatherleaf Fern will grow to be about 3 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 3 feet. Its foliage tends to
remain dense right to the ground, not requiring facer plants in front. Although it's not a true annual, this
plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually
needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will
perform differently than it would in its native habitat.
This plant does best in partial shade to shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will
not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat
tolerant of urban pollution. Consider applying a thick mulch around the root zone in winter to protect it in
exposed locations or colder microclimates. This species is not originally from North America.
Leatherleaf Fern is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor
containers and hanging baskets. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in
the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller
plants and those that spill over the edges. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and
baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.